Book/Report

FZJ-2018-03385

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Harvesting of the alga Dunaliella - some considerations concerning its cultivation and impact on the production costs of $\beta$-carotene : report on centrifugation and flocculation / flotation experiments

Mohn, F.-H.FZJ* ; Cordera-Contreras, O.

1991
Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH Zentralbibliothek Verlag Jülich

Please use a persistent id in citations: http://hdl.handle.net/2128/18852

Report No.: Juel-2438

Abstract: Two techniques for harvesting the Salt water alga Dunaliella with regard to the production costs of $\beta$-carotene were investigated and evaluated in Antofagasta, Chile. $\textit{Centrifugation}$ by means of a seif- cleaning plate separator running as a clarifier with closed rising channels can be recommended in smaller projects if a reliable supply of electric energy is available and if the whole of Dunaliella is to be used for human consumption as in Japan. The harvesting costs are US Dollars 21 .33 per kg $\beta$-carotene. Flocculation / flotation by using 100 - 150 ppm Al$_{2}$(SO$_{3}$)$_{4}$ as a flocculation aid and 5 - 15 ppm of an anionic polymer from Stockhausen, Praestol 2540, as a flocculant, is recommended for bigger plants or if not insufficient electricity is available. The method of stirring or turbulence is very important. The role of the chemicals is still uncertain in the extraction of the $\beta$-carotene and the residues which are to be used as a valuable animal feed and if the whole alga is to be eaten by humans. The harvesting costs are US Dollars 17.32 per kg $\beta$-carotene. lt appeared that the costs should not determine the harvesting technique since it only accounts 22.2 % or 18.8 % respectively of the total production costs. Total production costs not including extraction, labour and Land are about US Dollars 96. - and 92. - respectively- per kg $\beta$- carotene . The market price for synthetic $\beta$-carotene is estimated at about US Dollars 465 - per kg. Selling of the by products will further increase the economy of $\beta$-carotene production. The project in Antofagasta should continue with further expertise!

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Publikationen vor 2000 (PRE-2000)

Research Program(s):

1. 899 - ohne Topic (POF3-899) (POF3-899)

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